Earth Hour Exceeds Target For Historic Event

• The number of cities have signed in Earth Hour 2009 exceeds 1000 goals
• Global Earth Hour strengthen anticipation of historic events

12 March 2009: With more than two weeks to go before the world stops for Earth Hour, the number of cities and towns signed up to switch off their lights at 8.30pm, March 28 has already exceeded the ambitious goal set by the 1000 Earth Hour organizers.

Currently, 1189 towns and villages across 80 countries are committed, with more coming aboard every day.

From the Chatham Islands in the Arctic Wednesday, people from all over the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour to vote for action on climate change.

The historic event will see millions of people gathered in parks, streets, squares and homes around the world to witness the lights out on the landmarks and icons of the city skyline, while in the unique atmosphere of an Earth Hour events.

In Sydney, where Earth Hour began in 2007, all ferries to the city's famous harbor sound his horn at precisely 8.30pm to announce the start of Earth Hour in Australia, Melbourne an entire people pedal powered concert will be under way at Federation Square.

On the other side of the world, provisions are made for a series of concerts and festivals in cities across Europe, including a "circle of percussion" in Athens, where people will have to play instruments percussion, led by a conductor, as the lights go on the Acropolis.


In downtown Oslo, members of the public to meet the challenge of selling power light bulbs, while residents in the city of Lisbon will sit at an evening outdoor lighted candles to eat as they watch their City silhouette is dark.

Earth Hour Executive Director, Andy Ridley, said the Earth Hour is more than a simple call to action on climate change.

"Earth Hour is an opportunity for the world community to speak in one voice on the issue of climate change, while at the same time, come together in celebration of the one thing that every person on the planet have in common - the planet, "he said.

Maintaining the levels of participation exceeded all expectations, with more cities and towns signing up every day to be a part of this historic event, the success of Earth Hour 2009, is limited only by the will of the world community to try to decide on the future of their planet.

"Whether to join your community in one place to watch the lights of the city will host a party of dark or light in your own home, I encourage everyone around the world to be part of this opportunity history. Turn off your lights, to celebrate the planet, enjoy the moment and cast your vote for the Earth, "said Ridley.